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A conservatory is perhaps
the simplest and most cost-effective
wat to add an extra room to
your home. Conservatories
have traditionally been used
as casual living spaces or
garden rooms, but there is
no reason why yours should
not fulfill any function you
choose. Whatever you choose,
be sure to make it comfortable.
Fit blinds to lesson glare
and heat from the sun and
ensure there are sufficient
power points and adequate
lighting.
Flooring
With direct access to both
home and garden, it is important
to choose hard-wearing flooring
that is easy to care for.
Natural stone such as slate,
marble or limestone has an
instant empathy with the garden
and, if your budget doesn't
stretch to the real thing,
you can buy ceramic tiles
that mimic the effect and
can be cleaned at the swish
of a mop. Terracotta tiles
are ideal for creating a Mediterranean
or Moorish feel and wood is
the preferred option for a
more relaxed beach house style.
Paint or varnish bare boards
to keep them pristine or go
for lower maintenance alternatives
such as laminate flooring
or patterned vinyl. Steer
clear of flooring that marks
easily such as certain carpets
and natural flooring. If you
want the natural look, choose
cork, which is soft, warm
underfoot and naturally water-resistant.
Window treatments,
blinds and furniture
With such a high proportion
of glass, keeping the glare
at bay is a major consideration.
The most flexible option is
fitted blinds which can be
raised and lowered via cords
or even electronically. A
more cost effective way to
shade light is to fit fixed
shades in the roof area. Sunlight
will bleach fabrics so stick
to white and natural calicos
which show fading least. Choosing
furniture dating back to Victorian
times when conservatories
first became popular as hot
houses for the exotic plant
collections, the classic choice
of furniture has always been
rattan or wicker. This woven
furniture offers a natural
blurring between home and
garden. Wrought iron is another
popular choice as it is suitable
for indoors and out and has
a light look to suit the transparency
of glass. Add comfort with
piles of soft cushions and
seat pads.
Lighting
With so much glass, you’re
unlikely to need to light
your conservatory during the
summer months but, if you
want to enjoy the space all
year round, it is worth fitting
permanent lighting. Wall-lights
are least susceptible to condensation
and make best use of the most
solid parts of the structure.
If you want a central light,
consider a bar of modern spots
for ultimate flexibility or
choose a pendant or chandelier
that’s incorporated
into a rotary fan to cool
the space in summer. Atmospheric
lighting such as table, standard
lamps and candles create a
cosy mood at night. Choose
enclosed holders such as storm
lanterns for candles to limit
the risk of fire. |
